'We stood them down before - and we will do it again'

Gardaí have proven in the past that if they are given the proper resources they can deliver the desired results. But extra funding for more manpower to tackle a long-festering problem such as gangland-related murders must not be viewed as a short-term response only.

Gardaí have proven in the past that if they are given the proper resources they can deliver the desired results. But extra funding for more manpower to tackle a long-festering problem such as gangland-related murders must not be viewed as a short-term response only.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald reacted swiftly yesterday, when she heard the request from Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan that funding had to be diverted to allow more officers to be put on the streets on overt and covert duties.

The previous day, the minister had stated the commissioner was satisfied she had all of the necessary resources to deal with the aftermath of the murder of crime gang associate David Byrne, in the Regency Hotel last Friday. But all assessments changed with the retaliatory strike against Eddie Hutch Snr, who was selected by his killers because of the family name only, even though he was not a gangland player.

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